A dramatic legal battle unfolded Friday evening as a federal appeals court swiftly rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to halt a judge’s order. The core of the dispute: ensuring full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during a period of government impasse.
The First Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the ruling issued by Judge John McConnell, compelling the administration to fully distribute SNAP benefits to states without delay. This decision came after a tense 24-hour period following the initial order, escalating the stakes in a situation impacting millions of Americans.
During a hearing, Judge McConnell expressed stark concern to a Justice Department lawyer, stating that withholding funds would inevitably lead to widespread hunger and overwhelm already strained food pantries. He emphasized the unprecedented lapse in SNAP benefits that had already occurred, a situation he believed was entirely preventable.
Over 40 million individuals across the nation depend on SNAP benefits to afford groceries. The existing $5 billion emergency fund proved insufficient to cover the program’s needs for the month of November, triggering the legal challenge.
The judge’s order directed the administration to reallocate funds from child nutrition programs to fully finance SNAP. This move sparked immediate controversy and a swift appeal to higher courts.
The Justice Department, led by Solicitor General John Sauer, immediately petitioned the Supreme Court for intervention, requesting a response by 9:30 pm Eastern Time on Friday. The urgency underscored the potential for immediate hardship if the lower court’s ruling stood.
The Department of Agriculture acknowledged the court order and initiated steps to comply, informing regional SNAP directors of the impending full benefit issuances for November. A memo from a deputy under secretary confirmed the agency’s efforts to adhere to the judge’s directive.
This legal maneuvering occurred against the backdrop of a continuing government shutdown, amplifying the pressure on both sides. The administration sought to manage resources during the impasse, while advocates for SNAP recipients argued for uninterrupted access to vital food assistance.
The Supreme Court now holds the fate of SNAP funding in its hands, with a decision expected to come swiftly. The outcome will determine whether millions of Americans will continue to receive the food assistance they rely on during a period of economic uncertainty.
